Shannon and former Crusaders players guest for Loughgall

Loughgall’s Ivan Marshall Memorial Cup final against Dungannon Swifts last night (Thursday) featured a number of guest players.

Former Glenavon captain Brendan Shannon was on show for Loughgall - along with Nicky Hudson and Stuart Mallon, two players previously on the books at Crusaders.

The three players formed part of Loughgall’s panel for the club’s second pre-season friendly of the summer.

The Swifts recorded a 6-0 win at Lakeview Park but Steven Hawe, the Villagers’ joint manager alongside Stephen Uprichard, viewed a number of positives.

“It was not about the result but about building up our match fitness,” said Hawe. “Dungannon have been training for four or five weeks and had that extra edge, plus of course they also have some decent players.

“From our viewpoint, having just returned 10 days ago, it was another match to help our sharpness.

“We had Brendan, Nicky and Stuart guesting for us and it was about taking a look at some players.

“We had some players missing from last season’s squad for various reasons but Wesley Boyle was back from holidays and our side also included people like Steven Ferguson and Matt McMahon.

“We have signed Matty Young from Institute and also hope to add a few more players before the start of the season.”